I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeals from the person concerned have been referred to an appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in both cases. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.